Trusting Your Gut: Navigating Life with Intuition

Today I went to view a car to purchase. Nothing fancy, but some new wheels that will get me to work and back. And there was something I felt inside me when viewing it that told me I shouldn’t buy it. That was my gut instinct.

What is gut instinct and why does it know when something is wrong? What is it that our body can tell us that something is wrong before it even happens?

Let’s take a look into what the feeling is and to see if we can break it down.

Gut instinct, often referred to as intuition, is that deep-seated feeling we get in our stomach or chest that guides us in decision-making. It’s that inexplicable sensation that something just doesn’t feel right or that a situation is/isn’t promising.

But where does this instinct come from? Some argue it’s rooted in our subconscious mind, drawing on past experiences and learned patterns to assess a current situation. Others believe it’s a primal survival mechanism, inherited from our ancestors who relied on instinct to avoid danger and navigate their environment.

Regardless of its origins, gut instinct serves as a valuable tool in our decision-making. It can alert us to potential risks or opportunities that our rational mind may overlook. (That could also stem from a fixed mindset which I covered in my book review of Carol Dweck’s book, “mindset” which you can find here). It’s that inner voice nudging us to pay attention, to pause and reassess before moving forward.

So, how can we tap into this innate wisdom? One way is to practice mindfulness and self-awareness. By tuning into our bodies and paying attention to subtle cues, we can better recognize when our gut is trying to communicate with us.

Another approach is to cultivate trust in our instincts. This means learning to distinguish between fear-based reactions and genuine intuitive guidance. It’s about developing the confidence to follow our gut even when it goes against logic or societal norms.

Of course, like any skill, honing our intuition takes time and practice. (It took me over 4 years just to see things in a more optimistic light!) It requires us to quiet the noise of our busy minds and listen to the whispers of our inner thought processes.

So, gut instinct is a powerful thing in our journey through life. By honoring and adapting from this inner wisdom, we can navigate uncertainty with greater clarity and confidence. So, the next time you feel that familiar twinge in your gut, pay attention. It just might be leading you toward your next great adventure!

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Thanks for reading! Be sure to also check out my YouTube channel where I do all sorts of videos with thoughts like THIS attached! Go check it out HERE!